A Study on the Aesthetic Value of Texts in Turkish Language Textbooks

Abstract

One of the main objectives of education is to enable the individual to obtain an aesthetic perspective by using language. It is through such classes as Turkish Language and Literature that students not only explore skill-based aspects of Turkish language but also get acquainted with its artistic properties. Therefore, the texts used in these classes should provide students with aesthetic taste and opportunity to sense the artistic aspects of the language. In this study, aesthetic properties of the texts in Turkish textbooks at secondary school were evaluated. The study examines whether and to what extent these texts are effective in developing students’ aesthetic tastes. One poem and one narrative from a textbook at each grade were randomly chosen and evaluated in accordance with the criteria of aesthetic pleasure. It is concluded that the texts in secondary school textbooks are insufficient in providing students with aesthetic values; several suggestions were made in order to develop students’ aesthetic pleasures.